Memory Cafe Plus

They originally opened a Memory Café at The Rock Café on the Woodloes in response to local people’s desire for more support to help them live well for longer with Dementia in their own homes and communities rather than having to move to care settings. During this time the team became aware of the growing need for carers having to cope day by day with little support. They immersed themselves in the most recent research and observed best practice around the country. They decided they needed to relaunch and relocate as Memory Café Plus at All Saints Church in order to offer the opportunity for one to one support with an expert at their sessions. Experts and practitioners are chosen to speak on a range of key topics identified in Professor Jane Andrews book Dementia: The One-Stop Guide: Practical advice for families, professionals, and people living with dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease. The person with Dementia and their friends, family or carers are able to listen to presentations and have their questions answered in one to one surgeries if they wish to receive individual advice.

Memory Café Plus is ran by a dedicated team of volunteers some of which have experience in social care and dementia nursing. They are always available with a friendly listening ear and some provide live music at the sessions. Memory Café Plus also provides exercise and art activities delivered by professionals that have proved to be very popular.

Margaret Douglass who leads the team told us:
“At the first art session Bob announced that “art was really boring”. He soon found the need to go out each day with his sketchbook always finding subjects to sketch. To our surprise he was rarely seen without his sketchbook and was always keen to share at the next meeting what he had been working on!”

The usual range of memory café activities are also available including brain games, iPad’s, books etc and people can choose whether they join in with the activities and expert surgeries or just enjoy the refreshments!

Transforming Communities Together Warwick supported the relaunch of Memory Café Plus providing funding advice, project management, administration and marketing support.

“We were delighted to be chosen as the new venue for the expanded Memory Café Plus offering multiple rooms and even our grand piano for its many activities! It’s such a valued venture and we are delighted to be supporting an initiative that has grown so creatively by responding to the very real needs of the community. We are grateful for Transforming Communities invaluable support and expertise in relaunching the initiative and developing its sustainable future.” Reverend Diane Thompson

Memory Café Plus is for anyone living with memory loss, and their carers, friends and family it takes place on the first and third Monday of the month at 2-4pm at All Saints Church, Warwick and costs £3 per person or £5 per couple.

For anyone wanting more information about Memory Café Plus please call their dedicated number 07507 646030.